Newcastle United could potentially block Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes by setting a high transfer fee, according to former Magpies winger Chris Waddle. Recent reports indicate that the Brazil international midfielder has expressed a desire to leave Newcastle, with Arsenal identified as a possible destination. However, no formal negotiations have yet taken place between the two clubs.

Discussions involving intermediaries suggest that Guimaraes’s representatives are optimistic about a deal in the £50-60 million range. Newcastle, however, remain firm in their position that the 28-year-old is not for sale unless an offer around £100 million is made. The club appears intent on securing a premium valuation for the player given his importance to the squad and the length of his existing contract, which runs for another two years.

Waddle cast doubt on Arsenal’s willingness to spend such sums on Guimaraes, pointing out that the midfielder’s age and contract situation could deter potential buyers. “He has about two years left on his Newcastle contract, so he might be looking for a four-year contract elsewhere—probably the last big payday in his career,” Waddle said. He also expressed skepticism about the necessity of the signing, noting Arsenal’s already sizable squad and suggesting some of the transfer speculation could stem from the player’s agent rather than from the club itself.

“Clubs will question if he’s worth that much money,” Waddle added. “If Newcastle are looking for £50 million or £60 million, there are not going to be many clubs willing to pay that for a player nearing 30.” He further commented that Guimaraes’ performances, including at the recent World Cup, were solid but perhaps not sufficiently eye-catching to justify a high valuation.

While Newcastle remain steadfast in demanding a significant fee, the situation remains fluid. Arsenal have yet to make a formal approach, and it remains uncertain whether they will pursue the midfielder aggressively or decide to focus on other transfer targets. Meanwhile, Newcastle face the challenge of either extending Guimaraes’s contract to avoid losing him at a reduced fee or preparing to meet his transfer valuation demands should an offer materialize.